What I find surprising is that Withers have not apologised. The last time this happened (in 1981) the firm concerned apologised by telegram before the motion was moved.

There was a case with some similarities in Australia in 2006. The report can be found here. A law firm was found guilty of contempt for threatening defamation proceedings linked to a speech in parliament.

Quoting from the findings:

The Committee finds that the provision of information by Mr Cannard toMr Leighton for use in the House, as part of his role in representing hisconstituents, was a proceeding in parliament and therefore protected byparliamentary privilege. The letter sent by Mills Oakley Lawyers toMr Cannard constituted an attempt to interfere with the provision of thisinformation and is therefore a breach of privilege.

In relation to the question of whether the threat of adverse action against aconstituent could be considered an improper means to influence a member ofParliament in the performance of their duties, the Committee finds that, in thiscase, a contempt has occurred and notes:• the subsequent letter of apology to Mr Leighton from Mills Oakley Lawyerscannot alter the fact that the letter to the constituent had the effect, or wasintended to have the effect, of preventing the flow of information fromconstituent to member and of hindering the member in the exercise of hisparliamentary duties;• the threat of adverse action against the constituent can be seen as a contemptin cases where the threat is intended, or could be reasonably expected tohave the effect, to prevent a member carrying out his or her duties as amember of the House.

The Australian case has relevance to those people who threaten constituents who wish to talk to MPs.

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